Iconic rodeo receives funding

MOUNT Isa's tourism drawcard - the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo - looks set for a bright future following a show of support from the State Government.

Member for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan announced $150,000 funding for the iconic Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo.

Mrs Kiernan said the three year funding package of $150,000 for the Isa Rodeo ensured the event would continue to be supported by the government until at least 2014.

"We're looking at $50,000 over three years for the Mount Isa Rodeo and that will go a long way towards supporting Rotary in what is a very important event for our region.

"Each year, the rodeo attracts around 600 competitors and more than 25,000 people will walk through the gates of Buchanan Park.

"Not only is it great fun for families, any shop owner in town telling you their business booms while the rodeo is on and hotels and motels are booked out across the city.

"All-in-all, it boosts the Mount Isa economy to the tune of an estimated $2.4 million over the three days of the event.

"It's important the Government support events like the Isa Rodeo.

"These kind of events are not only a hoot to go to, they're also a shot in the arm for regional economies and communities like ours," Ms Kiernan said.

Special Minister of State Paul Lucas said the latest round of funding brought the total number of events supported under the program to 856 with a total investment of $18.3 million since the program began in 2011.

"We know that events - whether they are major, regional or business events - can make a real difference to the communities that host them by providing vital support to the tourism industry.

"That's why the Queensland Government recently increased funding to the EQRDP by $600,000 a year bringing the total program fund to $3 million a year," Mr Lucas said.